Mile 287 - Bayocean Peninsula north of Bayocean site 2 - August 22, 2017

Report Details

A beautiful summer day on Mile 287! There were fewer people than expected for such a nice day, possibly because it was mid-week. It was a surprise to see a large quantity (as many as 12-14 dozen) lethargic, dying Dungess Crabs in the driftline or ashore at the high tide line - unclear what was causing the crabs to be too weak to return to the sea as the tide retreated. A large amount of sand has filled in previously eroded foredunes. While there was evidence of a number of recently used campsites along the mile, it was gratifying to see how little trash had been left behind. All in all, a delightful day!

Conditions

Temperature: 70 F. Cloud Cover: Sunny. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Wind Direction: SW. Tide Level: 6.5 feet.

Human Activities

Number of people: 15. Walking or running: 8. Playing in surf: 1. Playing in sand: 3. Sitting: 3. Other Activities: One family of 7 had set up a small tent above the high water line and were spending the day enjoying beach activities (picnicking, playing in sand and surf).. Pleasant day at the coast; not many folks made the walk to mile 287.

Vehicles

Cars/trucks parking: 14.

Notable Wildlife

Noted a large number of elk tracks in the sand, but did not see the animals.

Dead Fish or Invertebrates

Unusual concentration. Saw a large quantity (several dozen) dead or dying Dungeness Crab in the driftline or just above the high tide line. Crabs averaged between 4-5" in width and most were female. Have never witnessed this kind of crab die-off before.

Driftline Content

Small rocks, Seaweeds and seagrass, Shells, Animal casings (e.g., crab, shrimp molt), Wood pieces, Land-based debris (picnics, etc.), Styrofoam, Ocean-based debris (from fishing boats, ship trash, etc.).

Natural Changes

Summer sand accumulation was notable - previously eroded sections of vegetated foredune have been filled in. Beach looked remarkably clean, possibly because sand was covering debris.

C Nelson

CoastWatcher

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Mile 287

Bayocean Peninsula north of Bayocean site 2

March 17, 2024

The cloudy marine layer that was present when we first arrived eventually burned off, providing us with a pleasant but breezy sunny afternoon for our visit. 1) We encountered an intact hull of a fiberglass boat on the mid-section of the mile; photos and location information was provided to the State Park Ranger so it could be retrieved from the beach. 2) There had been a massive influx of velella velella (by-the-wind sailors) washed ashore several days before our visit. 3) Given the number of folks in the parking area when we arrived, we had expected to see more folks on mile 287 but encountered just a typical number of visitors. 4) There was more detritus on the beach than we've seen in recent previous visits.

C NELSON